East African Legislative Assembly official has urged Kenyans to remain peaceful during the 2017 electioneering period.

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Speaking at a Machakos County public sensitization meeting in Athi River town on Thursday, EALA coordinator Peter Mathuki said East Africa Community can only exist if there is peace and security in all its six member states including Kenya.

“For a very long time Kenya has been an Island of peace, why the skirmishes ahead of forthcoming polls?” Mathuki remarked.

Mathuki said the country can only grow and achieve credible development if all citizens peacefully coexist as brothers and sisters without minding their tribal, political and religious backgrounds.

“It is only when we are peaceful that we can have thriving businesses, keep peace for us to grow as a country,” said Mathuki.

“I call on politicians seeking votes to conduct their campaigns peacefully, they should engage their supporters especially the youths positively to help build the country,” said Mathuki.

He said the youths being misused by politicians across the country need to be positively engaged towards making national cohesion and integration a reality.

Mathuki said it is its duty to continue preaching peace so that Kenyans know importance of having peace in the country.

Mathuki said violence is a great drawback to any nation’s development because people lose lives, property and businesses.

He said investors from other countries including the Diaspora keep off warring countries for their own safety and fear to lose investments.

Mathuki said that they intend to engage residents of all the 47 counties across the country in public sensitization meetings to discuss business and peace.

He said they had visited 22 counties already.

The legislature urged politicians to desist from making remarks that can lead to inciting their supporters thereby sparking violence before, during and after the 2017 elections.

He said each leader should take a personal responsibility to preach peace across the country whether politician, clergy or provincial administrator.